PRAYER MATTERS
A new year and a fresh beginning… I love the turning of the calendar pages, seeing a new fresh, clean page before me. Preparing for what the year will hold.
As we continue our focus on reconciliation, I wanted to share part of Pastor Gregory’s prayer from Communion Sunday in December. The Lord provides plenty of opportunities for us to realign our thoughts with Him. To turn back to Him and as Garth taught on December 21st, pray and listen with intent of obeying ~ Shama (Hebrew).
Father, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed. We take time now to confess the times we have been indifferent, lacking compassion, blind to those around us and where we have not forgiven others… (10-15 seconds of Silent Time of Reflection)
We confess the areas of our lives where our loyalties are divided, where we want to serve another master apart from you: politics, money, friendships, family, self-identity, possessions, hobbies, work… (10-15 seconds of Silent Time of Reflection)
We confess where we have not cared for those you care for: the poor, the hurting, the lonely, the stranger, the foreigner, your creation and its creatures. We confess where have not seen the people and creatures of your creation with your sight, but with our own values… (10-15 seconds of Silent Time of Reflection)
Forgive us. Lead us into your kingdom. Cleanse us and fill us with your Holy Spirit. Fill us with your very lifeblood to share in your resurrection. And as you forgive us, fashion us into forgiving people who by our love for you and one another reveal to the world the very character of your love.
Happy New Year,
Ericka
A new year and a fresh beginning… I love the turning of the calendar pages, seeing a new fresh, clean page before me. Preparing for what the year will hold.
As we continue our focus on reconciliation, I wanted to share part of Pastor Gregory’s prayer from Communion Sunday in December. The Lord provides plenty of opportunities for us to realign our thoughts with Him. To turn back to Him and as Garth taught on December 21st, pray and listen with intent of obeying ~ Shama (Hebrew).
Father, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed. We take time now to confess the times we have been indifferent, lacking compassion, blind to those around us and where we have not forgiven others… (10-15 seconds of Silent Time of Reflection)
We confess the areas of our lives where our loyalties are divided, where we want to serve another master apart from you: politics, money, friendships, family, self-identity, possessions, hobbies, work… (10-15 seconds of Silent Time of Reflection)
We confess where we have not cared for those you care for: the poor, the hurting, the lonely, the stranger, the foreigner, your creation and its creatures. We confess where have not seen the people and creatures of your creation with your sight, but with our own values… (10-15 seconds of Silent Time of Reflection)
Forgive us. Lead us into your kingdom. Cleanse us and fill us with your Holy Spirit. Fill us with your very lifeblood to share in your resurrection. And as you forgive us, fashion us into forgiving people who by our love for you and one another reveal to the world the very character of your love.
Happy New Year,
Ericka
from the week of December 29
Praises
- Praise the Lord for the lovely Christmas eve services. It was so nice to be connected to church family even though I couldn’t be there in person.
- Thanks God for safe travels at Christmas and for reminding me what is important!
- Praise God for nudging me to take my husband to the ER – we are grateful for the medical team and for the Lord’s wisdom in the situation.
- Thanks be to God for protecting us on our vacation out of country. We are home safe and sound.
- Praise for answers to prayers and a beautiful Christmas season.
- Thank You, our loving God for the gifts of Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love. Thanks for the gift of salvation and the promise of eternal life with You!
- Thanks be to God for church staff and volunteers for all they did for the Advent and Christmas Eve services. They were beautiful.
- Thankful for the beautiful services to share with members and our community.
- What a wonderful Christmas celebration we’ve had!
- Thank You God for all the chances and grace You’ve given me when I gave up on myself.
- Thank You Lord for the blessings You’ve bestowed upon our family.
- Thank You Lord for our family, we pray for their continued good health.
- I am thankful for the loving church for prayers, love, and friendships here at Grace.
Prayers
- Father God, we ask for Your protection over my mom. Help me know how to best care for her.
- Prayers for a family saying goodbye to a loved one and the pain that comes with this loss. We pray for God’s grace and love to permeate all relationships.
- Prayers for D’s brother-in-law J who is facing medical issues.
- Please pray for T’s needs in the new year.
- Pray for N who is fighting for her life – she trusts the Lord! Finding this church is such a gift.
- Prayers for my young friend L – her husband woke up blind. Lord have mercy!
- Comfort for our friends as they work through their grief and loss.
- Prayers for M as she and her family navigate through her illness.
- Prayers for E as she figures out balance and patience, trusting God in the process.
- Prayers for my sister, my family, and my time with family.
- C recently disowned family and she asks prayer for changed hearts in her family as she uses this time to follow God’s will.
- Hope throughout the new year every day. God’s love and Jesus’ redemption.
- Please pray for the son of one of our church members who had to have emergency appendectomy on NY day. He is home and healing. Prayers for a quick and complete recovery with no infection.
THANK YOU FOR PRAYING FOR OUR CHURCH OFFICERS:
ELDERS: John Adkison, Aaron Dalan, Bruce Drollinger, Michele Elledge, Ana Lucas-Garcia, Eric Gustafson, Larry Hasen, Janet Krieger, Todd Lincoln, Rich Millet (Clerk), and Joe Park.
DEACONS: Brian and Stephanie Ahlgren, Patty Arkills, Todd and Terri Buchanan, Siegie Daniel, Dave Geho, Nancy Gustafson, Larry Handy, Todd Hunziker, Cal Jansen, Randy & Robbie Johnson, Ginger McIlvanie, Jean McKitrick, Kathy Mathison, Matt Miles, Mike Ojanen, Deb Russell, Jean Schiewe, Becky St. John, Dorothy Stotz, Bruce Whitmore, and Diane Williams.
NOMINATING COMMITTEE: Cathy Campbell, Janet Doty, Cal Jansen, Carla Kupp, and Keith & Linda Mathews.
ELDERS: John Adkison, Aaron Dalan, Bruce Drollinger, Michele Elledge, Ana Lucas-Garcia, Eric Gustafson, Larry Hasen, Janet Krieger, Todd Lincoln, Rich Millet (Clerk), and Joe Park.
DEACONS: Brian and Stephanie Ahlgren, Patty Arkills, Todd and Terri Buchanan, Siegie Daniel, Dave Geho, Nancy Gustafson, Larry Handy, Todd Hunziker, Cal Jansen, Randy & Robbie Johnson, Ginger McIlvanie, Jean McKitrick, Kathy Mathison, Matt Miles, Mike Ojanen, Deb Russell, Jean Schiewe, Becky St. John, Dorothy Stotz, Bruce Whitmore, and Diane Williams.
NOMINATING COMMITTEE: Cathy Campbell, Janet Doty, Cal Jansen, Carla Kupp, and Keith & Linda Mathews.
1 Corinthians 15.57 “But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”